Before class begins, set out a beaker of salt, tie a helium balloon to the desk and bring out a taco salad with chips. When the students get to class have them wash their hands. Ask the students why you would have these three items out on the desk and ask them to come up and sample the taco salad.

Instruct the students to form their mini-groups and discuss the three items. Each group should make a list comparing and contrasting their three items. Discuss their lists. Hopefully, one group will determine that the helium balloon is an element, the salt is a compound, and the taco salad is a mixture. Define the three types of matter on the board or overhead.

To show the difference between each type of matter use nuts, bolts and washers in plastic petri dishes. Set these up in advance for use with an overhead projector.

For elements use the following:Dish A 8 washers B 8 bolts C 8 Nuts

For compounds use the following:Dish D combine 1 nut with 1 bolt making several sets E combine 2 nuts with 1 bolt making several sets F combine 1 bolt, 2 washers and 2 nuts making several sets

Show each dish and explain why it is like its type of matter. Use these to review the concept of each type of matter. Have the students form their groups again. This time, ask them to make an analogy of the concept of elements, compounds, and mixtures from their daily life.